Slow Travel Berlin

Record Store Day

SLOW TRAVEL BERLINRecord Store Day, various locations, all day

Record Store Day has been celebrated since 2007, first in the United States, where it began, and then internationally. Now, on the third Saturday of April, this event brings music fans, artists, and independent music retailers together in a celebration of vinyl.

In addition to focusing on actual records, another important component of the day is the action of supporting independent music retailers. Participating stores are those that are actual physical buildings which do most of their business on site.

At least half of the products sold in the store must be music-related, the company should not be publicly traded, and 70% or more of the ownership is located in the same state as the store.

Each year, an ambassador is chosen for the event. Past celebrations have featured Iggy Pop, Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, and Josh Homme. However, 2013 is the year of Jack White, and the White Stripes’ 2003 release, Elephant, will be reissued specifically for the event, with red and black vinyl on one side, and white on the other.

Additionally, music enthusiasts can expect to catch special appearances, art exhibits, and one-off issues of vinyl releases that celebrate the day. In Berlin alone, nearly 20 record stores are slated to participate this year. Natalye Childress